“Times are tough and it’s not easy for many Americans – they are watching every penny,” said Mac Naughton. “All year long, but especially during the holidays, our customers need a low price leader. This year, we are committed to doing everything we did last year to help Americans save money – plus more. More savings, more layaway items and our commitment that they can give their families a great Christmas on a budget.”

Walmart’s free layaway means no opening fees, no gift-card reimbursements, just free. Eligible layaway items include electronics, toys, jewelry, small appliances and select sporting goods. And new in 2013 are infant toys and automotive electronics such as speakers and stereos.

Walmart Facebook fans will enjoy a two-day head start this year with access to layaway on Sept. 11 and 12.

Walmart’s layaway will once again help customers purchase the newest electronics from the brands they know and love like Apple, Google, Samsung, Sony and more. A few of the top electronics the retailer expects to be popular layaway gifts include:

Tablets such as the iPad, iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy and Google Nexus

Smartphones like the iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy 3 (prepaid only)

PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles and new releases

Big screen (60”+) smart TVs

Walmart also expects toys to be popular for layaway, including:

Furby Boom

Barbie Dream House

Big Hugs Elmo

Zoomer, a robotic dog

Bikes and ride-on vehicles

Children’s tablets and learning toys such as LeapFrog

Using layaway at Walmart is simple. Customers can start a layaway account in any Walmart Supercenter or Walmart store (not including Neighborhood Markets) by visiting the Walmart.com Services Desk. Once a layaway account is opened, customers can make payments at any register in that store between Sept. 13 and Dec. 13, 2013. Walmart will also send payment reminders and status updates to customers via email.
In addition, for added convenience in purchasing select large items, including ride-on vehicles, basketball goals and trampolines, Walmart is introducing new “tear pad” slips that customers can bring to the Walmart.com Services Desk – alleviating the need to carry select bulky items to the counter.

Here’s how Walmart’s 2013 layaway stacks up to previous years:

2011 Layaway

2012 Layaway

2013 Layaway

Open Fee

$5

$5

$0

Items Available (may vary by store)

30,000

34,500

35,500

Down Payment

10% or $10, whichever is greater

10% or $10, whichever is greater

10% or $10, whichever is greater

Min. Purchase

$15 per item, $50 total

$15 per item, $50 total

$15 per item, $50 total

Cancel Fee*

$10

$0

$10

Days to Pay

60

90

60

Layaway customers can also take advantage of
Walmart’s Ad Match Guarantee. That means Walmart will match the price of any local competitor’s printed ad for an identical item at the Walmart.com Services Desk. This includes layaway items throughout the holiday season.

*Editor’s Note: Cancellation fees do not apply in Ohio, Maryland, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia.

About Walmart Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our more than 10,800 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2013 sales of approximately $466 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting
corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at
facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at
twitter.com/walmartnewsroom. Online merchandise sales are available at
www.walmart.com and
www.samsclub.com.